Riverina MP Michael McCormack will put his hand up to lead the Nationals at a party room meeting on Monday.
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The Member for Riverina confirmed on Friday afternoon he will ask his colleagues to back him for the top job.
McCormack is the bookies’ favourite to become the new Deputy Prime Minister.
“On Monday, I will ask my colleagues to back me for the leadership of The Nationals, so together we can work to grow local economies, increase local opportunities and create local jobs. We can do this together as a united team,” Mr McCormack said.
“I want to acknowledge Barnaby Joyce for his leadership of The Nationals over the past two years and thank him for being a true advocate for the needs of regional areas. His legacy will endure. I wish him well for the future.”
Mr Joyce resigned in Armidale on Friday following weeks of controversy after it was revealed the Deputy Prime Minister was expecting a baby with former staff member, Vikki Campion. Further heat was placed on Joyce to consider his position when it became known that Campion had also been given high-paying jobs in the offices of two of his colleagues that no-one else had the opportunity to apply for.
Senator John Williams has already publicly backed Mr McCormack for the top job, as has Parkes MP Mark Coulton.
Mr McCormack described himself as a “fighter” who could deliver for National party constituents.
“I am a fighter and I have the drive to deliver. When water rights were challenged in my electorate, I crossed the floor to get a better deal. When a big American company came knocking to take over GrainCorp, I stood up for our farmers and opposed it,” he said.
“Regional communities are the bedrock of Australia and The Nationals reflect this with strong representation and positive outcomes on issues which affect our local communities.
“As I said in my inaugural speech to Parliament in 2010: “I promise not to be silent when I ought to speak.”